Library Account FAQs

Here are some questions that we run into a lot. Chances are, you might be wondering about one of these as well. If your question isn't listed here, give us a call at 1-408-615-2970 and we'd be happy to help you out.

The first thing you'll want to do is fill out the online registration form. Once you're done with that, it will give you a number to bring into the library. Show that number and a current photo identification (you can find a list of acceptable IDs here) to one of our Circulation staff members and we'll get you set up with a new card.

It doesn't sound like it did. In which case, check the form to see if it is showing you any errors and try filling it out one more time. Most often, if someone can't register online it is because they have had a card with us previously. If it still doesn't work, come into the library with a government issued photo identification and speak to one of our staff members and we'll find out what's going on and set you up with a card.

It could be a number of reasons. Most commonly it's because the barcode number was typed incorrectly. Or, if you recently got your card replaced, you might be using the old, inactive one. Also make sure you are using the Santa Clara City Library's card and not a Santa Clara County Library card or a card from any other library.

Probably not. Assuming there were no fines on your record, a card that's been expired for two years would get deleted from our system. Call us and we can check for you. If you do need to get a new card, it just takes a few minutes to do with our online registration.

You can pay your fines with a credit card online or at the front desk. To do so online, just log into your account and click where it says how much is owed. From there you'll see an option to pay online.

If you give us your e-mail address, we can send you courtesy notifications that will inform you about upcoming due dates to help you avoid fines. We will only use your e-mail address to notify you about library matters.

This depends on what information we have for you. If we only have your phone number, then that is how you'll be notified. If you've given us your e-mail address as well, then that will be the default method of notification. If you've changed either your phone number or e-mail address, please inform us so we will have the ability to contact you when necessary.

Check to see if our notifications are ending up in your spam filter. If so, please mark that address (circadm@sccl.santaclaraca.gov) as "safe" and it should fix the issue. Please note that the address you receive notifications from is an automated account. It is not checked for correspondence. If you have a question regarding your account, call us at 1-408-615-2970.